DREDGE is a single-player fishing adventure with a mysterious, unsettling side that I adore. You’ll play as a fisherman exploring a remote archipelago, catching fish, helping local residents and uncovering secrets hidden beneath the water.
By day, you can fish, sell your catch, upgrade your trawler and explore new islands. After dark, things change. The sea becomes much more dangerous, and strange things begin to emerge from the depths.
Released in March 2023, DREDGE blends fishing and exploration with Lovecraftian horror. Its distinctive combination of peaceful routines and creeping unease makes it quite different from a conventional fishing simulator.
Key Features
Fish, sell and upgrade
Fishing is at the heart of the game. Catch different species, manage your cargo space and sell your discoveries to earn money. You can then upgrade your boat, improve its equipment and reach waters that were previously inaccessible.
Explore a mysterious archipelago
Each area has its own inhabitants, fish, quests and secrets. Exploring the islands reveals more about their troubled histories and the strange events affecting the region.
Manage your boat and cargo
Your cargo space is limited, so fitting your catches and other discoveries into the available space becomes a small but important puzzle. Choosing equipment and deciding what to carry are part of the progression.
Uncover the darker side of the sea
DREDGE’s atmosphere changes after dark. Strange creatures and supernatural threats make night-time journeys risky, encouraging you to weigh up whether a valuable catch or discovery is worth the danger.
Discover a story beneath the surface
This fishing adventure mystery game gradually reveals a larger mystery through its characters, quests and discoveries. You can spend time fishing and upgrading your vessel while also following the unsettling story behind the islands.
Who is DREDGE for?
DREDGE is likely to appeal to you if you enjoy fishing adventure mystery games
- Fishing and simulation mechanics
- Exploration and discovery
- Atmospheric, story-driven games
- Mystery and supernatural fiction
- Resource management
- Open-world-style exploration
- Horror that builds through atmosphere rather than constant action
It isn’t a purely relaxing fishing game: the horror elements and dangers after dark are an important part of the experience.
Platforms
- PC Steam
- Nintendo Switch
- PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5
- Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S
Release date: 30 March 2023. It is a single-player game.
Final Thoughts
DREDGE is a fishing adventure mystery game at heart and is an excellent example of how a familiar activity can become something much more unusual. Fishing, selling your catch and improving your boat provide a satisfying gameplay loop, while the strange inhabitants and threatening waters give exploration a constant sense of mystery. It’s a particularly good fit for players who like to explore at their own pace but still want a story and a little tension. Just be aware that its peaceful fishing routine is deliberately balanced against unsettling horror.
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